What major influence shaped the sources of the U.S. Constitution?

The U.S. Constitution was shaped significantly by both British customs and colonial experiences, making the choice that includes both the correct one. British customs contributed to the development of legal and political frameworks that influenced the Founding Fathers. Concepts like limited government, the rule of law, and rights of the individual were rooted in British traditions, particularly those following the Magna Carta and the Bill of Rights.

Colonial experiences also played a crucial role, as the American colonies developed their own forms of governance and adapted British structures to meet their needs. The practice of self-governance, which emerged during the colonial period, alongside the establishment of local assemblies and the practice of trial by jury, fed into the ideas that would be formalized in the Constitution.

Together, these influences created a unique landscape from which the Constitution emerged, reflecting both a respect for British heritage and a direct response to the specific political and economic experiences of the American colonies leading up to independence. This combination is essential to understanding the foundational principles enshrined in the Constitution.